This summer, Transylvania dons a coat of legendary armor. Medieval festivals transform cities into historical stages, and România Atractivă reveals seven fascinating destinations located right near the major events. After a spectacular joust and a chivalric dance, set off to explore forgotten fortresses, romantic castles, and villages with authentic Saxon charm. History and culture aren't just a show — they’re an invitation to discovery.

Three days of courtly dances, knightly parades, and traditional crafts. This is how history is written in Bistrița every summer. One of the city’s most beloved festivals returns starting Friday, June 20–22, 2025, with a rich and dynamic program featuring original performances and interactive, creative activities that turn the public into true actors of the event.

Between two tournaments and an exhibition, take some time to explore three cultural tourism landmarks near the festival.

Bistrița Medieval Citadel, which Giovanni Botero called in 1596 “the most beautiful of cities,” still preserves its old-time charm. Here, a journey awaits you through its 22 passages, medieval walls, and the legend of the craftsmen outwitted by clever townsfolk. Explore the citadel with the tallest medieval stone tower in Transylvania, discover buildings with stories carved in stone such as the Lion House or the Silversmith's House, and enjoy festivals, live music in the Synagogue, ancient arts, and new stories at the Arcade Gallery or the Palace of Culture. Bistrița is not just a destination to “check off” during Medieval Days, but an immersive experience that carries you through centuries, with a strong Gothic vibe and a contemporary energy.

Arcalia Castle is an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Transylvanian nature. Hidden in a fairytale-like dendrological park with over 150 species of trees and shrubs, the castle charms with an eclectic style influenced by Moorish and Byzantine elements. Transformed in the 19th century by Count Béla Bethlen into a romantic castle, nationalized in 1949, and later used as a village store, agricultural station, pioneer camp, and research center, Arcalia is now reborn as a space dedicated to education and cultural events. It’s a place where nature, history, and architecture come together for a complete experience. Travel tip: the wooden church in Șieu-Măgheruș is a unique architectural gem and part of the UNESCO heritage.

At the beginning of July 2025, Oradea Fortress comes to life with medieval battles, dances, and crafts demonstrations during a festival where legends and historical scenery blend perfectly. For three days, you’ll meet knights, ladies, skilled artisans, minstrels, and fire tamers ready to take you into a world full of adventure.

And if you venture beyond the festival, you’ll discover fortresses with fascinating stories.

Bologa Fortress, perched on a hilltop in Țara Călatei, has guarded the Crișul Repede Valley for over 700 years. With a spectacular circular keep, one of the best preserved in Transylvania, Bologa offers a vivid lesson in medieval history. Once a refuge from enemies and a symbol of noble pride, it was at one point under the rule of Mircea the Elder. Today, the ruins, along with the Water Mill, the Roman Castrum Resculum ruins, and the nearby black stone church, invite you to step onto a route full of history and tradition, dotted with traditional houses and carved gates. Bologa offers all visitors a medieval soul with a modern energy.

Once one of the strongest fortresses in Transylvania, Almaș Fortress is said to have been built with stones passed hand by hand from the Roman Castrum Optatiana. From noble palace and ladies’ residence to the last great Tatar siege in 1658, the fortress has witnessed a tumultuous history. If you’re in the area, don’t miss Csáky Castle, once a symbol of noble elegance, or the Reformed Church in Stana, with its stone tower gazing across the centuries.

The Sighișoara Medieval Festival is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated historical-cultural festivals of the year. Sighișoara is not just the perfect setting for such an event—it’s a living citadel, unique in Europe. The festival offers a full spectacle, and the surrounding area is a treasure trove of Saxon history and architecture. Wondering what else to visit nearby? Start with...

Sighișoara Citadel Wall. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sighișoara Citadel invites you to uncover its secrets on foot and climb the steps to the Church on the Hill. As recommended by romania-atractiva.ro, admire the Town Hall Palace, the so-called “House with Two Rooms” (now a documentary library), the Covered Staircase, the Archer’s Gallery (or Patrol Path), the Clock Tower, Shoemakers’ Tower, Tailors’ Tower with its former barbican, Furriers’ Tower, Butchers’ Tower and Bastion, Ropemakers’ Tower, Tanners’ Tower, and the enclosing wall. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with stories and legends from the heart of Transylvania, and lose yourself in the medieval atmosphere that has captivated generations.

Traditional Households of Saschiz. The village that impressed King Charles invites you to explore the charm of traditional Saxon homes and streets organized linearly around the fortress. Saschiz ceramics incorporate natural elements—plants, flowers, animals—painted in deep blue, and every corner of the village breathes history and resilience. Surrounded by hills, Saschiz and its traditional households offer an authentic Transylvanian experience where past and present blend harmoniously in a close-knit community.

Rhédey Castle is a restored neobaroque gem where history comes to life through a unique multimedia exhibition telling the tragic love story of Countess Claudia Rhédey and Duke Alexander of Württemberg. You'll walk through mirrored rooms that "speak" and walls full of secrets, guided by a professional storyteller, learning how Claudia’s heart remains a living memory in this romantic and legendary place—one closely tied to the lineage of British royalty. Also be sure to visit the local tourist landmarks: the 700-year-old Reformed Church, the landscapes of Bezidu Nou, and the Straw Hat Museum in Crișeni, home to the world's largest straw hat, listed in the Guinness World Records.

Stay updated with everything happening across the country and check the » EVENTS section to find out when more medieval festivals will take place.